Pros

Quiet

Economical

Compact yet practical

Nice handling

Cons

Leisurely acceleration

Awkward looking

Suffers identity crisis

Proof that BMW takes the SUV market segment very seriously indeed doesn't come much more emphatically than this. Despite having launched the X1 just two and a half years ago, BMW's baby SUV has already had an update.

Rather than just a cosmetic nip and tuck, the smallest X-model (beneath the X3 and X5) benefits from serious mechanical upgrades. Chief among them are a new 2.0- litre turbocharged engine for petrol-powered variants and the option of an eight-speed auto, but there's also a price-leading new diesel model in the subject of this road test, the sDrive18d.

More a compact wagon than a 4x4 or off-roader, and driven by its rear wheels instead of all four, it's an unusual car and perhaps difficult to get a handle on, especially being priced in the mid-$40,000 bracket, which wedges it between the 1-Series and X3.

What do you get?

Advertisement

This is the cheapest version of the X1 and at $44,500 for the manual (the auto's another $2700) it could be mighty tempting to anyone looking at upmarket versions of more prosaic compact SUVs. You get a hatchback-cum-wagon with somewhat weird proportions thanks to the elongated bonnet, presumably designed to house an in-line six cylinder engine that perversely is no longer available in the range.

Standard equipment for the facelift has been beefed-up with the inclusion of rear parking sensors, automatic wipers and headlights, Bluetooth phone connection, 17-inch alloys and cruise control with a braking function. That goes with the multifunction steering wheel, trip computer, eight airbags and imitation leather seats that are also standard.

If you want sat-nav, Bluetooth audio connection, a rear camera or even metallic paint you'll have to dive into BMW's lengthy options list. Our test vehicle had more than $11,000 worth of options fitted, including the largely cosmetic Sport Line package and, at close to $57,000, was looking a lot less than great value for money.

What's Inside?

The X1's interior has been given a minor makeover in an attempt to add richness to what is, after all, a reasonably expensive compact car. The centre console gets glossy black trim and there's a few chrome garnishes and, while it doesn't sound much, it helps lift the interior ambience.

The look is pure BMW, from the no-nonsense major gauges to the steering wheel buttons and the iDrive dial on the centre console controlling the menu-based functions on the large LCD display. The latter takes a little learning and can be frustrating at times, but is no better or worse than similar systems.

At 4477mm long the X1 is similar in length to, say, a Mazda3 but the body is taller than the average hatchback and gives the impression of greater roominess. Rear legroom is adequate rather than generous and the luggage area is tall but not especially long. Whatever you're paying for, it's not a surfeit of space.

Under the bonnet

The 18d shares its 2.0-litre diesel engine with the 20d model but is tuned more for low fuel consumption than performance. It produces 105kW of power compared with the 135kW of its brawnier sibling and never feels particularly quick if full-throttle launches from the traffic lights are the yardstick.

But there's a veritable magic carpet of pulling power from the engine that works very nicely with the new eight-speed auto that makes for a wholly pleasant driving experience. Not only does the auto shift crisply and kick-down intuitively to the right ratio, once on the move there also seems to be more than enough response to suit the average driver. The engine is quiet, too, without the usual diesel clatter.

Features such as stop/start help the fuel consumption, which is commendably low. The official combined figure of 4.9 litres per 100km is Prius-like and around town it'll easily maintain less than 8.0L/100km.

On the road

The X1 may look ungainly but there's nothing awkward about its road manners. Forget about roly-poly SUV handling and dynamics compromised by a high ground clearance and soft suspension: the X1 grips hard, steers with accuracy and basically does everything expected of a small, sporty sedan.

That's partly due to plenty of rubber on the Sport Line's optional 18-inch wheels but the sDrive18d's unusual (in this category) rear drive layout lets the front tyres steer without having to deliver power, and a relatively low centre of mass helps mitigate body roll.

It's a surprisingly comfortable car as well, dealing with bumps in a controlled manner without feeling plush, and levels of road noise are commendably low. Combine this with the refinement of the transmission, the quiet, gutsy and economical engine and the higher than usual driving position and it makes for a fine grand tourer despite the compact dimensions.

Verdict

Conceivably the most difficult thing about X1 ownership (apart from the scarily extensive options list) would be mentioning it to someone who asks: “What's that?”. It's not quite a hatchback, a wagon or an SUV, and even BMW doesn't seem to know, given it's hilariously fluffy “premium compact sports activity vehicle” descriptor.

Identity crises aside, the sDrive18d version is a good thing, at least in terms of the decent performance, fine handling, general comfort and pleasant interior. Whether all that is worth paying a premium over much roomier, but perhaps less dynamically competent, conventional SUVs is another matter.